Never Surrender

Canada’s double Paralympic medalist, Lauren Barwick will star in an upcoming episode of CBC’s popular television show Heartland.

The show, premiering on March 6 at 7 p.m. (7:30 p.m. in Newfoundland), is titled “Never Surrender,” and features Barwick, who won individual gold and silver medals at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, and L’Amistad 22, Lori Garlough’s 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding.

Barwick’s expertise is featured in the storyline which includes ex-rodeo star, Bryce, who was paralyzed during military service. Bryce (guest star Jesse Hutch) returns home and hires Amy Fleming (Amber Marshall) to help sell his roping horse, but she sees an opportunity to re-train both horse and rider. Amy needs both Ty (Graham Wardle) and Caleb’s (Kerry James) help to convince this proud and emotionally damaged cowboy that he can recapture his love for riding despite his injury.

Canada’s double Paralympic medalist, Lauren Barwick will star in an upcoming episode of CBC’s popular television show Heartland

“Every day, I am surprised and thankful for the doors of opportunity that open up to me. I worked in the movie industry before I broke my back and I never really thought I would ever be involved again. Looking at how easy it would have been for Heartland to hire an actor to ride a horse around and pretend to be paralyzed made the experience of having me there even more special,” said Barwick. “The whole cast was awesome, I loved being back in that environment even if it was just for one day.”

“Heartland prides itself in its depiction of real storylines,” said Jordy Randall, executive producer of Heartland. “It was a real thrill to do a story on para-dressage and it was extra special to be able to include a rider of Lauren’s caliber on the show.”

“When it came to having a small speaking role it was nice to see how they opened up to my suggestions of how a person would respond in the situation. I hope that when people see this episode they actually realize that I wasn’t just a stunt double and get to see what someone can do, and find some motivation into what is possible,” added Barwick.